Religious Beliefs In Honduras

A Christian church in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Editorial credit: juanluisdiazsocci / Shutterstock.com.

The Central American nation of Honduras encompasses an area of 112,492 square km. It hosts an estimated population of 9,112,867 people.

Christianity is the religion of the vast majority in Honduras. Catholics comprise 48.7% of the population of Honduras. Protestants account for 41% of the total population. 8% of the population comprises of atheists, agnostics, and those who claim not to adhere to any particular faith. Followers of religions other than Catholicism and Protestantism account for 3% of the country’s population.

The Largest Religion In Honduras

Christianity spread in Honduras during colonial rule in the country by European powers. Since the discovery of Honduras and its colonization by Spain, the colonial forces started baptizing Honduran natives to the Catholic faith. Today, the nation’s Catholic Church is part of the worldwide Catholic Church, and under the Pope’s spiritual leadership. The country has been divided into 8 dioceses and one archdiocese. While most of Honduras came under the influence of Catholicism during the Spanish rule in the country, Protestantism found ground in the British controlled part of the Mosquito Coast, a small part of which is today located in Honduras. The Moravian and the Anglican Church had the greatest influence in this area.

Ancient Religion In Honduras

The ancient Maya religion was widely practiced in Honduras between the 4th and the 7th century AD. The religion was also practiced in some other parts of Central and South America. It was based on polytheistic beliefs and involved a large number of rituals including occasional animal and possibly even human sacrifices. Currently, however, a syncretic form of the religion is practiced where Christian thoughts and beliefs take precedence.

Freedom Of Religion In Honduras

The Constitution of the country provides for the freedom of religion. Everyone is free to practice a religion of their choice and this right of the people is protected by law.